HS Code for Lamp glass envelopes

HS code 7011.10 is specifically designated for glass envelopes, including bulbs and tubes, that are open and intended for electric lighting but do not yet contain any fittings. This classification is governed by the notes in Chapter 70, which covers glass and glassware. The primary reason for this classification is the unfinished state of the product. Under the Harmonized System, glass envelopes that have been blown or molded into shape but lack internal components such as filaments, electrodes, or gases are treated as glass articles rather than electrical components. Once these glass envelopes are fitted with electrical components, they transition to Chapter 85. The distinction is critical for manufacturers who produce the glass shells as raw materials for lamp assembly plants. The code 7011.10 specifically targets those used for electric lighting, distinguishing them from envelopes used for cathode-ray tubes or similar vacuum tubes. The glass must be in the form of a bulb or tube and must be open, meaning it has not been sealed with the internal lighting mechanism. This code also includes glass parts of such envelopes, such as the neck or the flare, provided they are not yet fitted with metal or electrical parts.

Products Included

• Clear glass bulbs for incandescent lamps (without filaments)
• Frosted glass tubes for fluorescent lighting (without electrodes)
• Blown glass envelopes for LED filament bulbs
• Glass flares and exhausts for lamp manufacturing
• Open glass tubes for neon lighting

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8539, which covers finished electric filament or discharge lamps. Importers often confuse the glass shell with the finished bulb. However, 8539 requires the presence of electrical fittings. Another common error is using 9405.91, which covers glass parts of lamps and lighting fittings. The distinction here is that 9405.91 is for finished glass parts like shades or globes that are ready to be attached to a lamp, whereas 7011.10 is for the technical glass envelope that will eventually house the light-producing element. Additionally, glass envelopes for non-lighting purposes, such as those for laboratory use, should be classified under 7017.

FAQ

What is the HS code for lamp glass envelopes?

The HS code for open glass envelopes and bulbs without fittings for electric lighting is 7011.10.

What is the difference between 7011.10 and 9405.91?

7011.10 is for the technical glass shell (bulb/tube) that is unfinished and without fittings, while 9405.91 is for finished glass parts of lamps such as decorative globes, shades, or diffusers.